1961, Inaugural Address
Context: Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction. We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.
“Human beings are perhaps never more frightening than when they are convinced beyond doubt that they are right.”
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Laurens van der Post 1
South African writer 1906–1996Related quotes
Introduction
Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter (2003)
“In the phrase ' human being,' the word 'being' is much more important than the word 'human.”
Source: We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
Annan urges action to end 'hell on earth' in Darfur (17 February 2005) http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-02/17/content_417132.htm
“Perhaps the crescent moon smiles in doubt
at being told that it is a fragment
awaiting perfection.”
Source: Fireflies: A Collection of Proverbs, Aphorisms and Maxims